Why Can’t Mumbai Police Take Lawrence Bishnoi Into Custody in Tiger Shroff Firing Case?

Mumbai Police have been unable to interrogate gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in connection with several high-profile crimes allegedly linked to his gang, including the October 18 firing at actor Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai. A Union Home Ministry order restricting his transfer from Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail has prevented investigating agencies from taking him into custody for questioning.

The restriction was first imposed in August 2023 under Section 268 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and has since been renewed under Section 303 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The order cites concerns over public order and the potential risk of violence during his transportation. As a result, agencies seeking to question Bishnoi must do so through video conferencing or within the jail premises, subject to the appropriate court’s directions. Tiger Shroff Firing Case: 4 More Arrested, Including 2 Women.

What Is the Link Between Lawrence Bishnoi and the Tiger Shroff Firing Case?

On Sunday, October 18, three assailants allegedly fired at Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai’s Juhu area. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media post, citing the actor’s alleged connections with Salman Khan.

Police arrested three suspects at Rajasthan’s Kota railway station on Monday. Investigators reportedly linked them to gangster Anil Pandit, an alleged associate of Bishnoi. The suspects were allegedly planning to escape to Nepal, while Pandit, reportedly based in the United States, issued a voice note claiming responsibility for the attack. Tiger Shroff Firing Incident: Investigation Reveals Actor Wasn’t Primary Target, Accused Planned To Attack Another Bollywood Celeb.

The incident has renewed scrutiny of the restrictions preventing Mumbai Police from directly questioning Bishnoi.

Why Is Lawrence Bishnoi in Sabarmati Jail?

Bishnoi has been lodged in Sabarmati Jail in Ahmedabad since 2023 amid multiple criminal cases spanning Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and other jurisdictions.

The gangster came under particular scrutiny from Mumbai Police following the April 2024 firing outside Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartments residence in Bandra. Police alleged that members of Bishnoi’s gang were involved in a conspiracy to kill the actor.

In October 2024, Bishnoi was also named as an accused in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Bandra. Filmmaker Rohit Shetty subsequently received an extortion threat allegedly linked to the gang.

Despite the investigations, Mumbai Police have been unable to secure Bishnoi’s custody for interrogation in these cases.

Can Mumbai Police Question Lawrence Bishnoi in Jail?

Under the existing restrictions, Mumbai Police and other agencies cannot bring Bishnoi out of Sabarmati Jail for questioning through standard production warrants. Investigators must instead seek appropriate judicial permission to question him through video conferencing or inside the prison.

Police officers have argued that custodial interrogation is important in cases involving organised crime, as it can help investigators establish the roles of alleged conspirators and trace funding, weapons and wider criminal networks. Without direct custody, investigations have largely focused on alleged shooters, financial intermediaries and those accused of arranging weapons.

What Has the Maharashtra Government Said?

The firing incident has triggered political reactions in Maharashtra. The BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP government has said those responsible will not be spared.

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to seek the withdrawal of the protection granted to Bishnoi under the BNSS.

The issue has renewed debate over the balance between prison security, public order and the ability of state police forces to investigate serious crimes allegedly orchestrated by criminal networks operating across state and national borders.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2026 06:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).